Jerusalem Cafe Faces Ongoing Sabbath Protests and Vandalism Delaying Opening

The secular cafe "Basemta" on Agripas Street in Jerusalem has been a focal point of Sabbath-related protests and clashes for over a month. This Saturday, demonstrators again gathered outside, though in smaller numbers and without major incidents. However, an unusual act occurred early in the morning when a woman arrived before opening hours and poured glue on the cafe's lock, delaying its opening by about 40 minutes. A police complaint was filed following the incident.

Cafe owner Yoel Ben David described the protests as less intense today, noting the presence of many children, and expressed hope that only one person was responsible for the glue attack. In previous weeks, dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered near the cafe, leading police to block access and relocate the demonstration slightly further away. These protests have occasionally turned violent, with attempts by protesters to breach police barriers and confront officers.

The cafe, which opened in spring, has involuntarily become a symbol of tensions between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities in Jerusalem, representing a broader struggle over the city's character. Despite vandalism and violent clashes on several Sabbaths, Ben David remains determined to continue operating and even expand outdoor seating, welcoming religious customers from distant neighborhoods.

The ultra-Orthodox protests are organized by activists from the "Edah HaCharedit," a hardline group opposing the state's existence, but also receive support from mainstream ultra-Orthodox figures, including Deputy Mayor Tzahi Barim and City Council member Yohanan Weitzman. About two weeks ago, confrontations escalated when ultra-Orthodox protesters tried to block and forcibly enter the cafe, prompting police to intervene with batons. Video footage showed a man wrapped in a prayer shawl attempting to break in while patrons formed a human barrier to prevent entry.